If a delicious scent has ever made you go, 'I wonder what that tastes like', there's something you should channel that curiosity towards, and you should do it now! Comte De Grasse is a liquor-tech company that is working towards innovating and revolutionising not just how alcohol is processed and produced, but also how we experience and drink it. They have brought a gin to India that will have enthusiasts and perfume collectors equally excited.
Comte De Grasse's flagship spirit, 44°N is a gin that takes inspiration from its roots in Grasse in France, which is regarded as the perfume capital of the world. The gin itself is made using technologies used to make some of the world's most beloved scents by luxury brands. The fragrance notes in the spirit are the right balance between musk and florals, and the first sip of it (without any mixers) tastes like you're drinking perfume. —it’sbetter experienced than described in words because it is as surreal as it reads. The gin is a smooth spirit with a subtle aftertaste of citrus and florals, but what my palate felt most strongly was rose. It is indeed an experience and is meant to be had meaningfully with the intent of sitting back, putting your feet up, and sipping it slowly and mindfully. Almost meditative, I would say.
Something that I found particularly interesting was how the drink reacts to the temperature it is in, and the change of flavour notes depending on how hot or cold it is. A shot-sized serving with one ice cube dropped in, when allowed to sit for a while, would taste very different and much more muskier than the original (in Delhi on a moderately hot evening). I found this very chemistry-core, which can be fun when the result is more drinks in your system.
It is no secret that good things are achieved with great effort, and so is the journey that this drink and its founder Bhagath Reddy have been on. The research and development that went into the bottle lasted for over 15 months; 200 botanicals were closely studied, and the international launch was back in 2018. The notes that made the cut were citrus such as Lemon and Grapefruit, florals such as Jasmine, Rose, Lavender, and Mimosa, and spices such as Cade and Juniper. It's not just what's inside the bottle that's thought through but thebottle itself is as well. It represents the Mediterranean Sea with its deep-blue colour, complete with the sun on the cork and the ripples on the bottom. A very fitting tribute to the gin's home.
For those who tend to lean away from Gins, the brand also has a stunning Vodka Rosé called 06, which has 100% converted me from a Vodka avoidant to an enthusiast. It's a sweet and smooth vodka that easily slips down the throat and pairs extremely well with berries and sesame in cocktails. As is customary with the brand, the bottle's peachy colour represents the sun setting on the French Riviera. I never thought I'd say this about vodka, but I am excited to finally buy it so I can host my friends to a night of thoughtful drinks made with the intention of receiving some heavy compliments.
Comte De Grasse is the new liquor company to watch, await, and especially, gift!
Pro-tip: 44°N is available in Delhi (INR 11,230), Haryana (INR 9,800), and Uttar Pradesh (INR 8,910) at present. 06 Vodka Rosé is available in Delhi (INR 6,540), Haryana (INR 5,800), and Uttar Pradesh (INR 5,640). Both can also be purchased at Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad duty-free.
